Department of Physics, Fatima Mata National College (Autonomous), Kollam, India , panakal.jojo@pnguot.ac.pg
Abstract: (13 Views)
Background: Prognostic models and specific data are the basics of radiation dosimetry. Inhalation is the major pathway of radiation exposure to man. Precise data of progeny concentration status is important for all dose assessments owing to Radon (222Rn) and Thoron (220Rn). Materials and Methods: The measurements of unbound (unattached) and bound (attached) short lived Radon and Thoron daughters were carried out in selected dwellings of coastal regions of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. For the precise assessment of fraction of bound and unbound fraction of radon / thoron progeny, progeny sensors with wire mesh capped progeny sensors were used. The method makes use of radon thoron progeny discrimination using proper barriers and wire mesh helps to segregate bound against unbound fractions of progeny. Results: Overall (bound and unbound) equilibrium equivalent concentrations of 222Rn (EECRA+U) and similar quantity for 220Rn concentration (EECTA+U) were found to differ from 6.31± 0.9 to 7.98 ± 1.1 Bqm-3 and 0.35 ± 1.1 to 0.61 ± 0.1 Bqm-3, respectively. Conclusions: The volume specific quantities of bound progeny nuclides for both Radon and Thoron were found superior than the unbound daughter nuclides in the residences of the study area. The unattached (unbound) equilibrium equivalent concentrations of 222Rn and 220Rn did not demonstrate any notable relationship with ventilation conditions. It was found that there is a positive relationship between the progeny attachment rate and aerosol concentration for radon.